24 Mar Adoption, Natural Conception and a Healed Heart

When my husband and I got married, we weren’t exactly on the same page about having kids. I had a lot of fears, while he felt confident it was part of God’s plan for us to have a family. By 2014, the Lord had worked on my heart to the point that I was ready to try, but we didn’t start TTC until April 2015.

In 2016, I was diagnosed with a prolactinoma, a benign tumor on my pituitary gland. My medical journey was filled with all kinds of difficulties and obstacles, including medication that induced severe depression and even suicidal thoughts. I was angry at God, wondering why He would help me get to a place where I wanted a family and then deny that desire.

In November 2017, we had the privilege of adopting our son; an incredible miracle who blessed our hearts and seemed to make some of the struggle worth it. I went to counseling prior to his birth and for the first several months of his life and found tremendous healing as I transitioned into life as a mom. Not long after he was born, I remember the Holy Spirit impressing on my heart that he wouldn’t be an only child. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to make of that precious promise. Well, a year and a half (and a brain surgery) later, we found out we were pregnant naturally with our second! Aimee Josephine is one of our two sweet reminders of God’s perfect plan and timing for our family.

Another testimony has been the best part of joining Moms in the Making, my prayer partner! I was paired with a lovely gal in Kansas and we spent several months getting to know one another and praying for each other. We have both adopted and have both had miracle conceptions as well. It was such a blessing to have someone who understood partner with me on the journey and have faith for me when I couldn’t seem to hang on to hope. Now I can see that God had two special kiddos that needed our families and He had the perfect timing to make sure we were ready to open our homes and hearts to them. Now there are four kiddos between us and each one is a precious testimony to God’s goodness and faithfulness to answer our prayers!

Jilian